Current situation of Rhagoletis cingulata in Germany
The NPPO of Germany recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the current status of Rhagoletis cingulata (Diptera: Tephritidae – EPPO A2 list) in Germany. In a paper from Lampe et al. (2005), it is recalled that R. cingulata (American Eastern cherry fruit fly) was first found in Europe in Switzerland in 1983. The pest was found in Ticino (reported then as R. indifferens) and in the northern parts of Italy in 1998. In Germany, the first specimens were discovered near Freiburg (Baden-Württemberg) in 1993 and a single female was found near Kaub (Rheinland-Pfalz) in the middle Rhein valley in July 1999 (EPPO RS 2002/006). Since 2001, R. cingulata has also been recorded from the Netherlands (EPPO RS 2004/087). In the cherry-growing area of Rheinland-Pfalz, a first monitoring was initiated in 2002 and no pest was found (EPPO RS 2003/003). However, surveys continued in the following years. In 2004, the survey was extended as to its duration (end of May to mid August) and space (Rhein valley and Bayern). R. cingulata was detected further south in the Rhein valley (in the area of Dossenheim, Baden-Württemberg). The survey continued in 2005 and confirmed further spread of R. cingulata in the Rhein valley (Dossenheim and Karlsruhe). Furthermore, specimens belonging to the R. cingulata/indifferens group were detected in Hessen (Ockstadt), in Thuringen, and Sachsen-Anhalt. In Hessen, R. cingulata was trapped in an area which is popular for leisure activities of American military personnel. In summary, it can be stated that in the southwest of Germany (Rhein valley), R. cingulata has established. An extended survey in 2005 has shown that this fruit fly species has already spread more than previously assumed. Even in the central part of Germany, sporadic incidences could be detected. In most cases, their origin could not be traced back, but in one case it was assumed that R. cingulata had been introduced from North America.
The pest status of Rhagoletis cingulata in Germany is officially declared as follows: Present: in some areas.
Sources
NPPO of Germany, 2005-12.
Lampe I, Burghause F, Krauthausen HJ (2005) Introduction and distribution of the American Eastern Cherry Fruit Fly, Rhagoletis cingulata, in the Rhine Valley, Germany. Proceedings of the BCPC Symposium on ‘Introduction and spread of invasive species’, Berlin, 200506-09/11, No. 81, 135-140.
Also available on-line. http://dpg.phytomedizin.org/Invasive_Symposium/articles/022_LampeNEW.pdf